Fluid Backflow Management System and Method of Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for continuously controlling fluid flow in a sewer conduit, comprising: a) moisture sensors detecting levels of fluid in this conduit; b) an inflatable bladder, mounted in the sewer conduit for releasably sealing in fluid tight fashion a section of this conduit; a compressed air source for inflating the bladder; and a control box including a CPU sensitive to the moisture sensor(s) and actuating the air compressor responsively to conduit fluid level conditions reaching beyond a preset threshold value. The performance of the apparatus is independent of the speed of fluid flow in the sewer conduit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation in part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/038,605 filed on Sep. 26, 2013 which is acontinuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/885,680filed on Sep. 20, 2010. The application Ser. No. 12/885,680 was also acontinuation in part of U.S. patent application 11/955,990, filed onDec. 13, 2007 now abandoned. All incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of fluid flow controlsystems concerned with fluid backflow or fluid leaks, for sewer ducts,gas pipelines, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There exists a plurality of situations wherein it is desirable tocontrol accidental fluid backflow flow in specific circumstances, or tomonitor the fluid flow in pipes.

In a building or other structures serviced via an underground sewerline, it sometimes occurs that the main sewer line or the branch lineleading from the building to the main sewer line becomes clogged.Indeed, the problem of basement flooding from sewer line water backflowflow has become prevalent in recent years. The backflow may be caused bya variety of problems including when the flow capacity of the sewersystem is exceeded by the rain water inflow rate into the system.

The risk of water backflow is present in most storm sewer systems wherethe storm sewers are rarely of a sufficient size to accommodateunusually heavy rain storms. This risk is sometimes present in sanitarysewer system where there is a water leakage into the sewer systemthrough manholes, cracks in sewer line joints or where improper roofdown spout connections are made to the system which normally shouldcarry only the water and sewage draining from sinks, toilets, washingmachines drain lines and basement floor drains.

Clogging of the sewer line may be caused by many factors includingbroken or misaligned pipes. Such broken or misaligned pipes presentprojections, ridges or sharp bends on which bulk material hangs up andcauses a nucleus fore clogging. Other times, roots from surface plantsinvade the pipe in search of moisture which may be leaking from poorlyformed joints in the pipe and these roots also can form the nucleus ofthe clog in the pipe. Whatever the cause of the clog, the effect is thatthe sewage becomes backed up in the line and eventually the backflowwill overflow from the fixtures and drains in the building.

Modern sewer systems are equipped with clean out pipes or outlets. Theclean out is accomplished by inserting a Tee or Y joint in the sewerline just outside the building or in the basement. Leading from the Teeor Y joint is a vertical or near vertical clean out pipe which is keptor plugged near the ground surface. While this type of clean out allowsfor access to the sewer line for removal of clog, it does not preventthe backflow or sewage through the sewer line which will eventuallyoverflow from the fixtures or drain inside of the building.

Backflow problems in sanitary sewer lines leading to an individual homecan be substantially eliminated by the application of a backflowpreventing valve in the pipe line extending between the home and theunderground sanitary sewer line running along the street involved. Whenbackflow water pressure builds up, the backflow preventing valve isclosed or closes to prevent the water in sanitary sewer lines frombacking up into the user's home.

However, many home owners simply do not wish to install such systems.Indeed, conventional flow protection usually consists of a simple checkvalve, more particularly a flap valve mounted inside the sewer duct,which functions as a pivotable gate providing for unidirectional flow ofthe fluid in the sewer line away from the source. However, these pivotalgates are only efficient when the fluid flow inside the sewer is at fastspeed, since the gate will then be forcibly pivotally biased against itsannular seat inside the sewer duct by the hydrodynamic forces. Suchpivotal gate valve systems are however ineffective in conditions ofsewer duct clogging, since the fluid level inside the sewer duct raisesquite progressively, and the fluid flow speed is usually small, whichwould not provide a hydrodynamic force suitable for pivotally biasingthe pivotal gate against its annular seat in a fluid tight fashion.

Inflatable bladders may be used in place of pivotal gate valves,although these bladders create a phenomenon of fluid flow turbulence.When these bladders are in their inoperative deflated condition, theyremain in a radially inwardly projecting condition inside the sewer ductpassage that constitutes a partially obstructive element. Moreover, suchinflatable bladders may require manual handling to be deflated.

Furthermore, most conventional fluid backflow mitigating prior artsystems are not efficient in early detection of fluid and thus arerelatively unreliable and inefficient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved fluid backflowmanagement system that can be used in a variety of situations such as insewer lines to prevent sewer backflow into basements, in municipalconduits to manage fluid flows or interrupt flow in case of pipelineleaks as a means to contain the problem and limit spreading of hazardousmaterials.

It is an aim of the present disclosure to provide an assembly of aconduit in which a fluid flows and of a system for blocking the conduitupon detecting a problem condition for the fluid, comprising: a conduitdefining an inner cavity in which the fluid flows; an inflatable bladderadapted to be mounted in a section of the inner cavity of the conduit,the inflatable bladder inflatable/deflatable between a deflatedinoperative condition and an operative inflated condition in which thebladder is inflated for sealingly closing the conduit section; at leastone sensor assembly comprising a pair of wires connected to a sensoradapted to detect the problem condition of the fluid and positioned inthe conduit on at least one side of the inflatable bladder, and beyond acontact area between the inflatable bladder and the conduit, the sidebeing that related to the problem condition of the fluid; a pressuresystem in fluid communication with the inflatable bladder to inflate thebladder to the operative inflated condition, and to deflate the bladder;and a processor unit for actuating the pressure system when the problemcondition is detected by the at least one sensor, and for subsequentlydeflating the bladder when the problem condition is no longer detectedwherein said sensor assembly is at least partially covering andoverlapping the inflatable bladder. According to another aspect of thepresent invention, the sensor assembly may be at least partiallyintegrated to the bladder.

It is a further aim of the present disclosure to provide a novel systemfor blocking fluid pipes upon detection of a given condition of fluidflow in the fluid pipe.

In accordance with the teachings of the disclosure, there is disclosedan apparatus for continuously controlling fluid flow in a conduit,comprising: a) sensor means, for detecting the level of fluid in thisconduit; b) conduit sealing means, for releasably sealing in fluid tightfashion a section of this conduit; c) main power means, for actuatingsaid sealing means; and d) control means, sensitive to said sensorsmeans and actuating said main power means responsively to a conduitfluid level reaching beyond a threshold value; wherein the performanceof said control means is independent of the speed of the fluid flow inthe conduit. In addition, the present system may comprise a splash guardwhich comprises a deflector, preferably impermeable, protecting thesensors means from unwanted splashes of fluid onto the sensors whichwould otherwise trigger a signal to inflate the bladder in a situationwhich would not justify same. The deflector is disposed partiallyunderneath the sensor assembly to prevent the unwanted activation of thesensors in the event of a splash of fluid onto the sensor assembly notcaused by said problem condition. The deflector is configured to stopsuch splashes while allowing the sensors to operate if the level ofliquid in the conduit reaches the sensors. Such a splash of fluid mayhappen when a high volume of fluid is flowing in the conduit duringnormal use. However, the high quantity of fluid should not trigger thesensors as the conduit is functioning normally and no backflow fluid ispresent in the conduit. This feature of the system allows properfunctioning of the fluid backflow prevention system. The splash guardprevents the triggering of false signals due to bursts burst of fluidsin the conduit.

Preferably, said control means are further sensitive to the deactivationof said main power means, and further including power backflow means,whereupon said control means automatically activating said conduitsealing means independently of fluid level in the conduit when said mainpower means becomes deactivated. Said control means preferably furtherincludes a self-test function for the power backflow means that checksat predefined regular time intervals if said conduit sealing means isoperative, and further including alarm means (sound, light or otherwise)issuing an alarm detectable by the apparatus user upon said controlmeans detecting that said power backflow means has become inoperative.In addition to the sound alarm, an alarming system could be configuredto otherwise alert the home owner or operator of a conduit network whena problem has been detected about a certain conduit condition.

According to one embodiment, the alarm system may trigger variouscommunications at various levels. For instance, an alarm alert messageor notification could be sent to a main controller for initiating animmediate response from the fluid management system. A message couldalso be sent to the owner/user for informing about a detected problem. Amessage could also be sent to a water control panel for associating thedeployment of the fluid backflow preventing device to an interruption ofthe building water supply. Such association between the fluid backflowpreventing devices with the interruption of the water supply is used toprevent further flooding of the installations/building/house. Forexample, the conduit system (i.e. a sewer conduit system) may be unableto operate due to the activation of the fluid backflow preventingdevice, as such, the main water supply should be interrupted to preventfurther damages that may occur as a result of the conduit system beinginterrupted.

It is a further aim of the present disclosure to provide, a fluidmanagement system able to control the water supply interruption moduleautomatically, while the premises are unoccupied or manually triggeredwhile the premises are occupied. As such, in the absence of people inthe premises, the need for water could be completely interrupted thuspreventing further use of the conduit network and resulting flooding dueto blocking of the conduits. In another situation where the premises areoccupied, people living in the home are in need of water, theinterruption could be manually controlled via a main water supplycontrol using a wireless device such as a smart phone. People inhabitingthe house could still use the water for drinking but would, in thisscenario, be prevented from using the dishwasher, washer, taking ashower, and other high draining requirement uses.

Preferably also, said conduit sealing means includes an inflatablebladder for mounting into the conduit section, and further includinginflating means for inflating the bladder between a deflated inoperativecondition and an operative inflated condition for sealingly closing theconduit section. Said inflatable bladder could then have in itsoperative inflated condition a portion of toroidal shape for sealinglyengaging the conduit section. Said bladder could be elongated with twoopposite end portions each forming a convex half sphere. Said sensorsmeans could include at least one pair (preferably two pairs) of positiveand negative electrical cables, said cables extending between saidcontrol means and said bladder, and moisture sensors mounted at the endof said cables located about said bladder. Said moisture sensors arepreferably covered by non corrodible fluid proof conducting alloys, anduses electrical conductivity measures for determining the fluid level inthe conduit.

It is a further aim of the present disclosure to provide a fluidbackflow prevention device configured with unique identifiers and theability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-humanor human-to-computer interaction. As such, the device can automaticallytransfer information acquired from its sensors to various devices andsystems such as a fluid management control system, a remote alertmonitor, a central server storing conduit network information, remoteconnection or alert devices or any other system or device able tointeract with the fluid backflow prevention device and related systems.In addition, fluid backflow prevention system may communicate with oneanother in a multi device system or network. The fluid backflowprevention device and fluid management system may be integrated throughwired or wireless communication with local control panel in wiredconnection with the devices. Alternative embodiment may comprisewireless capable devices that directly communicate to a centralmanagement system having a local control panel. The connectivity of thedevices will vary depending on the complexity and sophistication of thesystem installed. As such, a municipality could have a conduit networkhaving a fluid management system with a plurality of fluid backflowprevention devices whereas a single family home would most likely onlyrequire one or two fluid backflow prevention devices which may easily bewired to a home control panel in the home. In the latest case, the homecontrol panel could be in wireless connection with the correspondingcontrol panels of the nearby homes and/or connected to a centralmonitoring station having data from all connected fluid backflowprevention device.

It is a further aim of the present disclosure to provide a fluidmanagement system interacting with fluid backflow prevention devices.Various types of connections and interactions may be suitable for thefluid backflow prevention device to interact with the user and/or acentral or local fluid management system. As such, the fluid backflowprevention device may have bidirectional communication capabilities,connectivity between the system and control station or remote controldevice, or between the control station and remote control devices.

It is a further aim of the present disclosure to provide a fluidmanagement system having integrated conduit network topography foranticipating conduit backflow within the conduit network. For instances,upon detection of a fluid backflow on a premise down a hill, the systemmay initiate a back prevention alert wherein adjacent system forpremises located uphill get alerted of the upcoming or potential fluidbackflow event and trigger the system beforehand.

In accordance with the teachings of the disclosure, the fluid managementsystem may be integrated with fluid back up devices and automated todetect a problem in a conduit and actuate fluid back up devicesaccording to the detected situation. In addition, the fluid back updevice may be interlinked with additional devices to prevent or at leastmitigate the consequences of the deployment of the fluid backflow deviceand consequently and potentially interrupt fluid flow within a conduit.The fluid management system may interlink fluid backflow devices with awater closure/interruption devices. Alternatively, the fluid managementsystem may alert a user to trigger manual closure/interruption of themain water inlet in the building. Likewise, the fluid management systemmay automatically trigger closure or interruption of the water heatingequipment following the closure/interruption of the main water inlet,thus preventing damages to water heating equipment. Accordingly, alertmay be sent using SMS, internet messages, WIFI communications, or anyother suitable wired or wireless communication protocol or technology.

It is a further aim of the present disclosure to provide a fluidmanagement system comprising fluid backflow device having wirelesssensors. Piezoelectric sensors mounted to the bladder or adjacentthereto in the conduit are an alternate embodiment reducing the need forelectrical wires. Therefore, the fluid backflow prevention device couldwirelessly communicate with the fluid management system to alert thedetection of a fluid backflow in the conduit. Such a wireless fluidbackflow prevention device may be installed with a gas (i.e. CO₂)cylinder and allow installation without the need for electricalinfrastructures. A wireless fluid backflow system may be favored inconduit where access to utilities is difficult or where space islimited.

The disclosure also relates to a method for operating an apparatus forcontinuously controlling fluid flow in a conduit, the apparatus of thetype comprising sensor means for detecting levels of fluid in thisconduit, conduit sealing means for releasably sealing in fluid tightfashion a section of this conduit, main power means for actuating saidsealing means, and control means, sensitive to said sensors means andactuating said main power means responsively to a conduit fluid levelreaching beyond a threshold value so that the performance of saidcontrol means is independent of the speed of the fluid flow in theconduit; wherein the method comprises the following steps:

-   -   a) said sensor means sensing a fluid level beyond said threshold        value;    -   b) said control means analyzing data coming from the sensors        means; and    -   c) said control means actuating said conduit sealing means        responsively to said data.

Preferably, there is further included the following steps:

-   -   d) having said sensor means detecting fluid level returning to        condition short of said threshold level;    -   e) said control means analyzing this latter data from said        sensors means; and    -   f) said control means deactuating said main power means        responsively to the latter data.

The disclosure also relates to the combination of sewer conduit forfitting to a dwelling, said conduit having a clean-out duct mountedtransversely thereto and opening into said fluid flow channel, and theabove-noted apparatus.

The disclosure also relates to a method for installing and releasablylocking a valve apparatus inside a clean-out duct of a sewer conduit,the valve apparatus for continuously controlling fluid flow in theconduit, the apparatus including: a) sensor means, for detecting thelevel of fluid in this conduit; b) conduit sealing means, for releasablysealing in fluid tight fashion a section of this conduit; c) main powermeans, for actuating said sealing means; and d) control means, sensitiveto said sensors means and actuating said main power means responsivelyto a conduit fluid level reaching beyond a threshold value; wherein theperformance of said control means is independent of the speed of thefluid flow in the conduit, the apparatus further including a discoidsupport member releasably mounted inside the clean-out duct, a hangscrew rod assisting in the positioning of said discoid support system insaid clean-out duct, said sealing means being an inflatable bladder,said inflatable bladder in deflated configuration movable to a setposition inside the clean-out duct, and further including retainingclips to prevent accidental release of said apparatus from its said setposition, wherein said method comprises the following steps: a) saidhang screw rod moving the said apparatus inside said clean-out duct; andb) said inflatable bladder in deflated configuration emitting a soundcue emitted through said rod, indicating said deflated bladder hasreached its said set position inside the clean-out duct. The sound cuemay be the sound occurring by the deflated bladder pops out of theclean-out duct, which sound may be transmitted partially by the rod.

Preferably, said sensor means could then include power cables and, uponrelease of said valve apparatus being required, further including thefollowing step: c) pulling out said apparatus from said fixed positionin said clean-out duct, by upwardly pulling said power cables.

Preferably, the sensor could be of various types such as ultrasound,pressure sensors, vibration sensors, gas sensors, wired sensors andpiezo-wireless sensors.

Preferably, said clean-out duct defines an annular recess fully clearingsaid channel, said conduit sealing means including an inflatable bladdermounted into said annular recess, and inflating means for inflating thebladder, said bladder when in an inoperative condition remaining fullyinside said annular recess and fully clearing said channel to preventfluid flow turbulence in the conduit when deflated, and when in anoperative inflated condition further extending radially into saidchannel and fully sealingly closing said channel.

The present disclosure therefore provides a system for blocking fluidflow within a conduit and utilizing an inflatable component which islocated permanently in the conduit or a section that allows access tothe conduit wanted to protect from fluid flow backflow. An electricalmoisture sensor capable of rapidly and accurately detecting thefluctuation of fluid in a conduct and transmitting the information tothe circuitry forms part of the disclosure.

A circuitry receives the information from the moisture sensors and thendecides whether or not it will activate the inflatable component toprevent fluid backflow.

A backup battery of the circuitry is also provided, in case ofelectrical mains supply blackout, so as to enable relying on backupbattery that will automatically activate the inflatable component bydefault, independently of fluid level inside the sewer conduit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: is a longitudinal sectional view of an intermediate section ofsewer conduit, showing a fluid backflow preventing system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure mounted on a transverseclean-out duct into the sewer conduit, the inflatable bladder beingshown in a retracted deflated inoperative position inside the clean-outduct;

FIG. 2: is a view similar to FIG. 1, but with the inflatable bladderbeing inflated in a fully inflated operative configuration, extendingradially into the sewer conduit and fully closing a section of thelatter;

FIG. 3: is a partly schematic enlarged plan view of the control box of afluid backflow preventing system in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4: is a partial plan view of a control panel part of the fluidbackflow preventing system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5: is a partial enlarged perspective view of a pneumatic tube andelectrical wire assembly from the fluid backflow preventing system ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 6: is an enlarged view of the area circumscribed by an ellipse inFIG. 5;

FIGS. 7 and 8: are partial elevation views of the inflatable bladder,suggesting the adjustable nature of cable sleeve connection betweenelectrical circuits and the inflatable bladder of the fluid backflowpreventing system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9: is a partial perspective view of the inflatable bladder, showingin phantom lines the fluid sensor part inside the bladder of a fluidbackflow preventing system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10: is a enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines 10-10 ofFIG. 1, showing how the inflatable bladder clears the sewer conduit inthe retracted inoperative condition thereof;

FIG. 11: is a partly broken perspective view of the sewer duct, showingthe inflatable bladder in its operative fully inflated condition,similarly as in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12: is an enlarged view of a discoid support system, in accordancewith another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13: is a perspective view of the discoid support system of FIG. 12with a bladder thereon;

FIG. 14: is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the discoidsupport system from FIG. 12;

FIG. 15: is a block diagram showing a plurality of the bladders inseries on a single conduit 14 and controlled centrally;

FIG. 16: is a block diagram showing a plurality of the fluid backflowpreventing system used controlled centrally; and

FIG. 17: is a view similar to FIG. 1, but with the inflatable bladderbeing inflated in a fully inflated operative configuration, showingsensors remaining exposed while bladder is inflated.

FIG. 18: is a partial enlarged top view of an embodiment of the fluidbackflow prevention system wherein the system comprises a deflectorpreventing unwanted trigger of the system in the event of a splash offluid.

FIG. 19: is a partial enlarged lateral view of the embodiment of FIG.18.

FIG. 20: is a schematic view of a fluid management system.

FIG. 21: is a perspective view of the fluid back prevention devicesupport system.

FIG. 22: is a schematic view of a multi fluid backflow prevention devicesystem.

FIG. 23: is a perspective view of the fluid back prevention devicesupport system having a sensor cleaning system feature integratedthereto.

FIG. 24: is a schematic view of an autonomous fluid management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a fluid backflow preventingsystem 11 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosuremounted into a clean-out duct 12 transversely opening into the channel13 of sewer conduit 14. A fluid F, for example a liquid, may flow insidechannel 13 at a low fluid level L1, along a normal flow direction D1.Although the present disclosure refers to the positioning of parts ofthe system 11 in the clean-out duct 12, it is pointed out that any otherarrangement may be used for the positioning of fluid blocking componentsin the channel 13 of any type of conduit 14 (e.g., gas pipeline).

The clean-out duct 12 is preferably provided with a distal threadedsegment 12 a so as to threadingly receive a mounting cap 16 providedwith a cap aperture 18 extending centrally there through. The capaperture 18 is configured and sized so as to fittingly receive at anintermediate section a cable sleeve 20 for protectively enclosingvarious operative cables (pneumatic line 36 and electrical wires 43,43′, 43″, 43′″) hereinafter disclosed and also for supporting the valvecomponents in a suitable overlying relationship relative to the sewerconduit 14. Wireless technology may be used as well instead of havingelectrical cables. In such a case, the remote unit is separatelypowered.

As mentioned previously, it should be understood that although the fluidbackflow preventing system is shown in FIGS. 1 through 11 andhereinafter disclosed as being used in the context of sewer conduits, itcould also be used in various other contexts without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. Among other uses, it is considered touse the system 11 to block gas pipelines in case of leaks. For instance,the system 11 may detect the level of a gas in a pipeline, and block thepipeline if the gas level is outside given thresholds. According toanother embodiment, the system 11 detects the presence of unwantedfluids in the channel 13, and may block the channel 13. The system 13may therefore be used to prevent the spill of hazardous matters in theenvironment.

The sleeve 20 is connected at a proximal end portion thereof to a casing22 by a suitable connecting ring 24 and at a distal end thereof to avalve means 26. The valve means 26 preferably takes the form of aninflatable component, typically an inflatable bladder 30 at leastpartially mounted within a bladder sleeve 28, for instance as shown inFIG. 2. Bladder 30 is mounted inside clean-out duct 12. The bladder 30is adapted to be inflated to an inflated configuration illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 11 wherein its inflated flow-obstructing section 32 projectsradially inwardly of channel 13 and abuttingly fully contacts theinterior wall 14A (FIG. 1) of the duct 14 in a generally fluid tightfashion so as to prevent or reduce accidental backflow into the latterwhen given conditions such as fluid overflow are met. That is to say,fluid flow direction D2 (FIG. 2) is prevented, being a reversal of thedirection of original normal fluid flow direction D1 (FIG. 1), which isassociated with a fluid overflow condition of fluid F inside sewer duct14 (FIG. 2).

The bladder 30 further includes a distal contacting portion 34 locatedopposite its flow obstructing portion 32, which is adapted to inflate toa contacting configuration also shown in FIG. 2 when the pre-set fluidoverflow condition is met.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the bladder 30 is pneumatically coupled topneumatic circuitry located within the casing 22, by an outer pneumaticline 36 protectively enclosed within the sleeve 20. The outer pneumaticline 36 extends integrally into an inner pneumatic line 38 protectivelyenclosed within the casing 22. The inner pneumatic line 38 ispneumatically coupled to a pneumatic compressor 40 (or to any othersource of pressurized air) through a conventional pressure regulator 42having a built-in automatic shut off function and a conventionalpneumatic distributor 44 typically having three-way and two-positionfunctions so as to allow the selective inflation and deflation of thebladder 30. Although not shown, the bladder 30 may use the monitoredliquid to become inflated. For instance, if the liquid being monitoredis water, the bladder 30 may collect water (e.g., using a pump and line)in the conduit 14 and fill the bladder 30 therewith.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the sleeve 20 also protectively encloses acontact sleeve 46 enclosing at least one sensor assembly comprising atleast one pair of wires 43 and 43′, where one is negative and the otherpositive, and preferably two pairs of wires 43, 43′, and 43″, 43′″ forredundancy purposes (with additional wires as back-up if necessary), tobe used with a corresponding number of moisture sensors 48. When themoisture level is high enough, the two pairs of electric wires 43, 43′ .. . will start conducting electric current. By moisture level, it ismeant a gazeous moisture level, or a liquid moisture level, depending onthe type of fluid circulating in channel 13. The wires 43, 43′, 43″ and43′″ could use a different type of sensor depending on the type of fluidthat needs to be detected, for example a methane sensor or other gassensors could be combined with the existing moisture sensor 43 and 43′.Moreover, the sensors could be used to monitor different characteristicsof the flow, such as speed and pressure. It is considered to useultrasound sensors for such monitoring. The sensor assembly ispreferably at least partially covering and overlapping the inflatablebladder 30. According to another embodiment, the sensor assembly couldbe at least partially integrated to the inflatable bladder.

According to an embodiment, the present system may comprise a splashguard 88 (shown in FIGS. 18 and 19) which comprises a deflector 88,preferably impermeable, protecting the sensors assembly from any splashof fluid which is not the result of. Such a quick splash of fluid mayhappen when a high volume of fluid is flowing in the conduit. However,the high quantity of fluid should not trigger the sensors 48 if theconduit is functioning normally and no backflow fluid is present in theconduit. This feature of the system allows the proper functioning of thefluid backflow prevention system. The splash guard 88 prevents thetriggering of false signals due to bursts of fluid in the conduit. Theat least partially protecting of the sensor assembly is achieved in away that prevents sudden bursts of fluid to trigger the inflation of thebladder. As such, the sensor assembly may be at least partiallyprotected while allowing fluid contact between the sensor assembly andthe fluid inside the conduit when a fluid back flow occurs in theconduit. The cover should be installed in a way that prevents thetriggering of a signal when a splash occurs but would still allow thetriggering of the inflatable bladder when the sensors 48 are, forinstance, immersed by the fluid back flow in the conduit.

According to an embodiment, the system could prevent the occurrence offalse positive often triggered by splashes of fluid in the conduit. Toprevent the false positives, the devices of fluid backflow preventingsystem 11 may be optimized by increasing the required detection time ofthe event. Such optimization may substitute the use of a splash guard 88or be used in combination thereof.

According to an embodiment, these electrical sensors are of the typeworking at a low level of voltage, for example at the 0.3 volt and 0.1Ampere range. According to one embodiment, the moisture sensors aremounted about an intermediate section 34 of the inflatable bladder 30,forming the electrical ends of wires 43, 43′, 43″, 43′″. Sensors 48should preferably be covered by a non-corrodible fluid proof conductingalloy. The sensor assembly comprising the moisture sensors 48 arepreferably welded to the bladder 30 by a conventional sonic weldingmethod or any other suitable method, so that these wire portions 43A,43B become integral to and concealed by the wall of inflatable bladder30 about bladder portion 30A. Only the end moisture sensor tips 48, 48′,48″, 48′″, project freely through the intermediate wall of bladder 30,at a peripheral intermediate location of bladder 30 opposite outer end34 of bladder 30.

The sensor(s) 48, whether it is a moisture level sensor, a liquiddetector, a gas detector, or any other fluid detection unit, isstrategically positioned on the side of the channel 13 from which theproblematic fluid arrives. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, theproblematic fluid is the backflow of water, for instance from the sewersystem. Accordingly, the sensor(s) 48 is at least positioned on the sideof the sewer system.

By being positioned on the side of the problematic fluid, the sensor(s)48 quickly detect the problematic fluid (i.e., level outside ofthreshold, etc.), but will keep on detecting the problematic fluid whilethe bladder 30 is inflated. In an embodiment illustrated by FIG. 17, thebladder 30 is sized so as not to impede the detecting operation of thesensor(s) 48. When the problematic fluid returns to a level within thethreshold, as managed by the central processing unit describedhereinafter, the bladder 30 may automatically be deflated once thesensor(s) 48 no longer detects the presence of the fluid. The automaticdeflation advantageously facilitates the use of the system 11, as theclean-out duct 12 does not need to be opened to determine whether thereremain issues with the problematic fluid.

As shown above, the sensor(s) 48 may be positioned on the inflatablebladder 30, or may be placed in the channel 13 separate from the bladder30, such that the fluid detection is not altered by the presence of thebladder 30. The sensor assembly is preferably at least partiallycovering and overlapping the inflatable bladder 30. According to anotherembodiment, there may be sensors 48 on both sides of the bladder 30. Forinstance, one of the sensors 48 may detect a sewer fluid presence on oneside of the bladder 30, while another one of the sensors 48 on the otherside of the bladder 30 may detect hazardous matters or substances, toprevent a spill in the sewer.

The type of bladder 30 that will be used (e.g., bladder material,thickness, coating), and the inflation pressures will depend on theapplication in which the system 11 will be used. For instance, it may berequired to use specific types of rubbers in view of the potentialpresence of hazardous materials in contact with the bladder 30.

Returning to FIG. 3, wires 43-43′″ extend internally into an internalcontacting sleeve section 50 protectively enclosed within the casing 22.The wires 43-43′″ are electrically coupled to both a water sensor unit52 and a programmable central processing unit (CPU) 54. CPU 54preferably takes the form of an electronic card. The electronic card 54is electrically coupled through an internal connecting wire 56 to arelay component 58, and to the various afore-described components of thesystem 11 (e.g., compressor 40, pressure regulator 42, pneumaticdistributor 44, etc. . . . ). An alarm means preferably of the audiblepiezo type 60 is further operationally mounted within the casing 22 toCPU 54.

The power to the components within the casing 22 is provided by abattery type component 62 being chargeable through a battery charger andconverter component 64 preferably of the 120 volt/12 volt DC type. Theremay also be a redundant battery 62 to ensure that the system 11 does notrun out of power. Moreover, the battery 62 may be sealed to be replacedunderwater. A transformer is adapted to be plugged into a conventionalexternal mains electrical wall outlet through the use of a conventionalmale plug 66.

In the event that the system 11 operates on battery power for instancebecause of a power outage, the system 11 may operate in alow-consumption mode. In such a mode, the various powered components ofthe system 11 go in standby mode if possible. For instance, a displaypanel may automatically shut down unless activated by a user. In thelow-consumption mode, the system 11 keeps only the primary functions inoperation, such as the monitoring via the sensor 48.

An outlet cable 68 is electrically coupled to the relay 58 at a proximalend thereof and at a distal end thereof to a display panel 70 (FIG. 4)mounted on the cover of the casing 22, or to other systems 11, or to amain unit as described hereinafter. Moreover, the outlet cable 68 may beconnected to a pump, to the main water supply or the like, or any otheractuator of the flow in the conduit 14 to stop the pump or the like if acondition is detected. The display panel 70 preferably includes a firstdisplay area 72 for providing visual cues as to the inflation status ofthe bladder 30, a second display area 74 providing visual cueinformation on the moisture detection status, a third visual displayarea 76 for providing visual cues as to the working status of the systemas whole, and a fourth display area 78 adapted to provide visual cueindication preferably with a three color code as to the condition ofboth the battery component 62 and charger component thereof

A first control button 80 is provided for allowing the reset of theinternal clock conventionally integral to the CPU 54, a second buttoncontrol 82 is provided for setting of the internal clock, a thirdcontrol button 84 is provided for manual testing of the system; while afourth control button 86 is provided for stopping the audible alarm. Anexternal port 90 (e.g., usb port, etc) may be provided to connect thesystem 11 to any network (as explained hereinafter) or to any othercomponent (e.g., alarm system, internet).

It should be understood that various modifications can be made to thecontrol panel 70 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure and that the herein above description only refers to anexample of such display panel 70.

In use, the sensors 48 are adapted to sense moisture or a gas and/ordetect by physical engagement with a liquid inside sewer conduit 14 apreset level and, once a moisture/gas upper threshold level or liquiddetection has been reached, to activate the air compressor 40 so as toinflate the bladder 30. The sensor(s) 48 may stay in a detection mode(e.g., continuously, periodically) while the bladder 30 is inflated(e.g., FIG. 2). When the detected fluid level returns to the acceptablethreshold level, the central processing unit 54 actuates the pneumaticdistributor 44 to deflate the bladder 30. Any appropriate type of valveor pump may be used as an alternative to the pneumatic distributor 44,to release the pressure in the bladder 30, and to ensure the bladder 30returns to its contracted state in the intermediate section 34 (e.g.,FIG. 1). The bladder 30 may be inflated by way of a normally closedvalve (e.g., 44) when appropriate. In such a case, the bladder 30inflates in the absence of a regular signal to the normally closedvalve.

The deflation air may be used as a cleaning air stream for the sensor(s)48. In such a case, appropriate valves and conduits are provided todirect the deflation air on the sensor(s) 48 for cleaning purposes.Alternatively, a separate line connected to the pressure source may beprovided for this purpose.

The central processing unit 54 preferably has a built-in self-testfeature that periodically measures the conductivity of the moisturesensor 48, and/or could activate the compressor 40, so as to ensure thatthe latter maintains a predetermined pressure inside the bladder 30. Theself-test also preferably includes monitoring of the battery 62 and ofthe battery charger 64. The self-test feature ensures that the battery62 is sufficiently charged to allow the full deployment of theinflatable bladder 30 in case there is a mains electrical input powerblackout. Another feature of self-test is the partial inflation of thebladder 30. The pressure in the pneumatic line 38 may be monitoredduring the partial inflation to ensure that the bladder 30 inflates.According to an embodiment, if the measured pressure does not reach apredetermined threshold or slowly decreases after having reaching athreshold, there may be a leak in the pneumatic line 38 or in theinflatable bladder 30, prompting the CPU 54 to indicate an error.Moreover, if the threshold is reached too quickly, the pneumatic line 38may be blocked or the inflatable bladder 30 may not be inflating.

Preferably and as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the section 32 of theinflatable bladder 30 has a toroidal shape once inflated, for releasablysealing the sewer duct 14, and assisting in hydrodynamic fluidmanagement. Preferably, the opposite ends of the longitudinal axis ofthe toroidal bladder 30 each form convex half-spheres 32A, 32B, foroptimal hydrodynamic fluid flow management.

Preferably and as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, to facilitate handlingof bladder 30, there is provided a discoid support system 92 which isinstalled transversely inside clean-out duct 12 at the inner end thereofopposite outer closure cap 16. The discoid support system illustrated inFIG. 12 is spacedly proximate to the main conduct 14. Access to the freetop face of discoid support system 92 is easily achieved simply byremoving screw cap 16, and by an operator reaching out with his/her armthrough the clean-out duct 12 for maintenance thereof.

The inflatable bladder 30 peripherally abuts against and is fixedlymounted to the under face of discoid support system 92, with an annularplenum 112 formed between flanges of the discoid support system 92, suchas flange 110 (and peripheral edges 114 and 116). The discoid supportsystem 92 with two facing half-moon holes 96, 98 comprising therebetweena hang screw rod 124 with threading 124 b for positioning the discoidsupport system 92 inside the clean-out duct 12. An air valve with port118 may be provided on the disk of the system 92 to inflate theinflatable bladder 30 to the inflated condition, with a portion thereofshown at 120 as protruding inside the bladder 30. An air valve systemanchor proximate assists in the positioning of the present discoidsupport system. The sensor cable connectors 46 (see FIG. 6) are inside asheathed anti-corrosive cable that reaches the sensors 43-43′″ that areinside the inflatable bladder 30 at its extremity. The present discoidsupport system 92 is solid, light weight, and does not require anymeasurements for its installation, since a sound cue, for example a“click” sound, is felt thru the installation rod that reveals it hasreached its operational set position in the clean-out duct 12, as shownin FIG. 12. This sound cue comes from the shape of the inflatablebladder 30. The discoid support system is readily removed from its setposition inside the clean-out duct 12 by first pulling the clips of apower cable protection to unfix and upwardly pullback the discoidsupport system 92. Alternatively, the inflatable bladder 30 may beprovided with chains or the like to pull the bladder 30 out ofengagement with a pipe.

In FIG. 14, the discoid support system 92 comprises a fluid port 122 forthe inflation/deflation of the annular chamber 132, to seal off any gapbetween the outer periphery of the bladder 30 at the discoid supportsystem 92 and the pipe. As an alternative to this embodiment, theinflatable bladder 30 may simply be sized so as to be obstructing thepipe when inserted therein, with the inflatable bladder 30 consistingprimarily of a rubber material.

According to one embodiment, the inflatable bladder 30 is suited withwireless sensors 48 operatively mounted to the conduit 14 and positionedto detect a fluid backflow problem. The wireless sensors 48 could bemounted to the extremity of the bladder 30 or being optimally locatedinside the conduit 14 on the side of the fluid backflow flow side as topermit the sensors 48 to detect when the fluid backflow is resolved.Once a fluid backflow situation is resolved, it may automaticallytrigger inactivation of the inflatable bladder 30 and resume fluid flowin the conduit 14 to its normal uses.

According to an embodiment, now referring to FIG. 20, the fluidmanagement system 110 comprises a fluid backflow prevention device 100having bidirectional communication capabilities. According to anembodiment, the fluid backflow prevention device 100 is operativelyconnected to a server or cloud based system 120 for live monitoring ofthe fluid backflow device 100. The cloud based system 120 may be suitedwith various features, from a server for storing conduit 14 conditionsfor review to live monitoring dashboard 122 accessible by the owner,city utilities 200 or insurances providers. As such, the cloud system120 may be used for data storage and analysis in addition to livemonitoring through the use of a dashboard 122. Additionally, some systemmay be suited with cloud preemptive fluid backflow device 100 activationcapabilities. Systems with such features could be actioned through thecloud based system 122 or remotely activated. The remote preemptiveactivation of the device 100 could be coupled with a series ofcomplementary or compulsive actions. For instances, the remotepreemptive activation of the fluid backflow device 100 could be helduntil the home owner remotely authorize the deployment of the fluidbackflow device. In such an embodiment, the owner might receive a SMSrequesting authorization for preemptive deployment of the device 100 dueto deployment of similar systems or devices in adjacent neighborhoodhouses. The owner authorization may be requested via a mobileapplication of through email or other web services. According to anotherembodiment, depending on the user preferences, the system 110 couldalert the owner of an imminent deployment. In such cases the owner maybe given 1-5 minutes to reply as to interrupt the preemptive deploymentof the system and where no interruption of the deployment from the owneris detected, the deployment would proceed. Such a procedure would insuredeployment regardless of the speed of response of the owner to thealert. Understandably, the type of alert of mode of operation of thedevice may be chosen by the owner and modulated to the user needs. Forinstances, the user may want preemptive alert to proceed straight todeployment while the premises are unoccupied as opposed to preferring analert and authorization for period where the premises are occupied. Somefactors that may influence the process for preemptive deployment of thesystem 110 and owner preferences. As such, where the fluid managementsystem 110 controls both fluid backflow prevention devices 100 and waterinlet valves 130, the owner may desired to be informed or have itsauthorization before actuating the deployment of the systems.

According to an embodiment, the cloud system 120 could serves variousfunctions such as alerting citizens 140 of nearby deployment of thefluid control devices 100, detecting the deployment of systems 142, beused for software update and technical support 144 of the systems,actuate the deployment of the devices 100 in cases of hazardous event astriggered by the city 200 or during infrastructure maintenances. Thecity 200 may use the fluid management system 110 for deploying the fluidcontrol devices 100 in conduit 14 where the city 200 maintenance crew isrepairing conduit such as sewer systems. In a smart city dynamics, thecity 200 could use fluid control devices 100 to selectively obstructsome conduit 14 and optimize the fluid flow in a conduit network 114.

According to an embodiment, still referring to FIG. 20, the cloud basedsystem 120 may be operated by someone providing third party monitoringof the conduit systems also referred to as an operator. Alternatively,the fluid management system 110 could be integrated to alarm systemproviders and managed remotely according to data received from thedevices 100 located in the premises. The device 100 could be actioned byfirst responders in cases of specific events. As such, in a fire, wherefireman suspect hydrocarbon leakage from a tank inside the premises theymay preemptively deploy the fluid control device 100 thus preventinghydrocarbon from entering the city conduit system 114.

According to one embodiment, the cloud connection may be the result of aWi-Fi or GSM module or from a wired connection through the premises. Theability of some embodiments to interrupt the water inlet 130 may makesuch system handy in case of contamination of the water supply. Thefluid management system 110 could preemptively interrupt the water flowin all premises of a certain area. In some cases, for mildcontamination, the owner may receive a notice requiring him to boilwater before consumption. In such milder cases, the water could beinterrupted and as the owner informed through various notice system(SMS, mobile app, email alert, etc.) upon which the owner had the optionto disable the system and reopen the water inlet 130.

Now referring to FIG. 21, according to one embodiment, the fluidbackflow prevention device 100 comprises a wireless sensing system 160.The wireless sensing system may comprise wired sensors 164 connected toa wireless module 162 on the device itself or have wireless sensors (notshown) all independently able to communicate with a control module orcloud based system 120 wirelessly. The former, the wired sensors 164with a wireless module 162 could be used for retrofitting or upgradingwired system to a wireless system. Notably, a wireless sensing system160 requires energy input. Therefore, wireless sensing systems could bebattery powered or have wireless sensors 164 which are water poweredsuch as piezoelectric devices. Accordingly, the wireless sensing system160 could autonomously communicate the sensed information to a centralcloud system 120. Understandably, the cloud based system 120 could belocated on the premises of located remotely. Essentially the cloudsystem 120 need to receive the sensed data and have the ability tocommunicate with the devices 100 or control panel for actuatingdeployment when required (i.e. when certain preset conditions are met).

According to one embodiment, the communication may be initiated from thedevice 100, for instance, the communication of data to the cloud 120 orinitiation of deployment of a multi device 100 system following sensingof a local condition. The communication in the two-ways communicationfluid management system 110 may be from the operator 300, systemadministrator, owner or city employee 200 to the device 100. Forinstances, the user or an operator 300 may desire to activate deploymentof the system remotely 110. As such the user or an operator sends theinstruction wirelessly through the cloud based system 120 and triggerdeployment of the system 110.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 22, there is illustrated a plurality of thebladders 30 interconnected in series, and controlled centrally by asingle CPU 54 (FIG. 3) in casing 22. The bladders 30 are interconnectedby appropriate lines and cables in the cable sleeves 20. Accordingly, bythe use of a plurality of the bladders 30 on a single conduit 14,numerous levels of safety may be provided. There may be a protocol amongthe various bladders 30, such that the detection of a condition outsidethe threshold values for any one of the bladders 30 results in theinflating of all bladders 30 by the CPU 54. Moreover, the protocol maybe such as to automatically inflate any one of the bladders 30 if arelated one of the cable sleeves 20 is sectioned.

Referring to FIG. 15, a plurality of the systems are connected to a maincontroller 150. The main controller 150 is strategically positioned toobtain a global view of a network of conduit. For instance, the systems11 of FIG. 15 are positioned in various conduits of a sewer, with themain controller 150 capable of identifying a global flooding conditionfrom the monitoring of each of the systems 11. The main controller 150has the capacity of actuating each of the systems individually, tomanage the flow of liquids in the sewer system. Now referring to FIG.22, other embodiments of the fluid management systems comprise aplurality of devices 100 connected to various conduits in a network 114.For instance, a fluid backflow prevention device could be installed in asanitary drain 116 and another in a storm drain 118 where both devices100 are operatively connected (wire or wireless) to a central controlpanel 170.

Now referring to FIG. 23, according to an embodiment, the fluidmanagement system 110 may comprise fluid backflow prevention device 100having auto cleaning capabilities. Accordingly, the device 100 comprisesair conduits 174 connected to the air supply 176 of the bladder 30 andabout the sensors 166 for cleaning the sensors 166 from materialpotentially obstructing the sensing of a certain condition or creating afalse positive in the system 110. The sensor 166 auto-cleaning featuremay be preprogrammed for actuation at specific intervals to insureunobstructed data collection. The system 110 could as well be programmedto initiate cleaning once a condition is detected to insure thecondition is real and mandate deployment of the device 100.

According to yet another embodiment, the fluid management system 110comprises one or more autonomous fluid backflow prevention devices 400preprogrammed and able to operate without being connected toconventional utilities. Now referring to FIG. 24, the autonomous fluidback up prevention device 400 comprise sensors 402, a bladder 410, a gassource 420, a power source 430 and a control module 440. Accordingly tothis embodiment, the gas source 420 may be a carbon dioxide tank 420connected to a relay, the relay responsible for actuating the gas tank420 to inflate the bladder 410 upon detection of a condition from thesensors 408. The power source 430 may come from a piezoelectric systemor from a battery located within the autonomous system 400.Understandably, where access to the utilities is possible, it will bedesired to have a conventional system installed thereto. However, forremote locations or for conduits hardly accessible and with no quickutility connections, the autonomous system could be of great use. Thesepreprogrammed systems are generally single uses systems. Thepreprogrammed system may alternatively be configured for multiple usesby increasing for instances the size of the gas tank 420 and having apower source capable of providing for such multiple deployment of thesystem.

According to an embodiment, now referring to FIG. 24, the fluidmanagement system 110 may be miniaturised. In such an embodiment, theelectronic components, generally in the control panel, are integrated tothe cover of the clean out of the conduit 14, the miniaturized circuitmay be autonomous and powered by batteries such as conventional 9Vbatteries 62′. The alarm conditions are transmitted through wirelesscommunications and pressurized gas is provided through small CO₂cartridges. In such an embodiment, the sensors may be wired orpiezo-wireless. According to this embodiment, the miniaturized fluidmanagement system is a smart integrated device that is autonomous whilehaving the ability to be connected to a network.

According to another embodiment, the fluid backflow prevention devices100 could communicate with adjacent devices 100 in nearby premiseswithout the use of a central cloud based system 120.

According to one embodiment, the method for managing fluid comprises thesteps of:

-   -   a. Installing a fluid back prevention device in a conduit;    -   b. Installing a control panel in a location near the conduit;    -   c. Operationally connecting the fluid backflow prevention device        with the control panel.

According to another embodiment, the method may further compriseadditional steps such as wirelessly connecting the device to the controlpanel, wirelessly connecting the device or control panel to the cloud.

According to one embodiment, the method for managing fluids comprisesthe steps of:

-   -   a. Sensing the condition in the conduit;    -   b. Deploying the fluid back prevention device if a fluid        backflow condition is sensed or deployment instructions are sent        from the user, cloud administrator or city employee.

According to another embodiment, the method may further comprise thestep of monitoring the condition until it no longer meets thepredetermined criteria for deployment and deflating the bladder toremove from the conduit.

The present disclosure provides an improved fluid backflow preventingsystem. Advantages of the present disclosure include the fact that thesystem in accordance with the present disclosure may be readily adaptedto existing sewer conduits without the need for special tooling, manualdexterity or other expensive commodities.

Also, the present disclosure provides a built-in sensing means foractuating the valve in predetermined conditions. Furthermore, thepresent disclosure provides a system having a self-checking feature soas to improve overall reliability.

Also, the present disclosure uses a duct sealing means that isdeformable so as to provide an efficient seal even in situations whereinthe sewer conduit is warped or otherwise damaged.

Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a built-in audible warningmeans for alerting the dwelling occupants of the flood threateningsituation.

1. An assembly of a conduit in which a fluid flows and of a system forblocking the conduit upon detecting a problem condition for the fluid,comprising: a conduit defining an inner cavity in which the fluid flows;an inflatable bladder adapted to be mounted in a section of the innercavity of the conduit, the inflatable bladder inflatable/deflatablebetween a deflated inoperative condition and an operative inflatedcondition in which the bladder is inflated for sealingly closing theconduit section; at least one sensor adapted to detect the problemcondition of the fluid and positioned in the conduit on at least oneside of the inflatable bladder, and beyond a contact area between theinflatable bladder and the conduit, the side being that related to theproblem condition of the fluid; a control panel having a pressure systemin fluid communication with the inflatable bladder to inflate thebladder to the operative inflated condition, and to deflate the bladderand a processor unit for actuating the pressure system when the problemcondition is detected by the at least one sensor, and for subsequentlydeflating the bladder when the problem condition is not detected.
 2. Theassembly according to claim 1, further comprising two of said sensor,with one of said sensors on each side of the inflatable bladder todetect two different problem conditions.
 3. The assembly according toclaim 1, wherein the inflatable bladder is substantially accommodated ina clean-out duct of the conduit when in the deflated inoperativecondition.
 4. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising atleast a second inflatable bladder downstream of the first in theconduit, the first and second inflatable bladder both connected to thesame pressure system.
 5. The assembly according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least a second inflatable bladder in another conduit, thefirst and second inflatable bladder both connected to the same pressuresystem.
 6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pressuresystem comprises a pressure source actuated by the processing unit tocreate flow of pressurized fluid, at least one pressure line in fluidcommunication between the pressure source and the bladder to inflate thebladder, exhaust means to deflate the inflated bladder, and valvescontrolled by the processing unit to operate inflating/deflating cycles.7. The assembly according to claim 6, wherein the pressure source andthe processing unit are in a common casing away from the conduit.
 8. Theassembly according to claim 6, wherein the pressure system comprises acleaning line connected to a remainder of the pressure system and havingan outlet end adjacent to the sensor to blow fluid on the sensor.
 9. Theassembly according to claim 8, wherein the cleaning line is connected toone of the pressure source and the pressure line.
 10. The assemblyaccording to claim 8, wherein the cleaning line is part of the exhaustmeans, whereby fluid blown on the sensor is fluid exhausted from thebladder during deflating.
 11. The assembly according to claim 6, whereinthe pressure system is a pneumatic system.
 12. The assembly according toclaim 1, wherein one sensor is a wireless sensor.
 13. The assemblyaccording to claim 12, wherein one sensor is a piezoelectric poweredsensor.
 14. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the pressurizedsystem and processing unit are configured to be integrated to a cover ofthe clean out duct.
 15. The assembly according to claim 1, furthercomprising a communication unit to enable communication with adjacentdevices in nearby premises.
 16. A method for managing fluid comprisesthe steps of: a. installing a fluid backflow prevention device in aconduit; b. installing a control panel in a location near the conduit;c. operationally connecting the fluid backflow prevention device withthe control panel.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising thestep of wirelessly connecting the device to the control panel.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising the step of wirelessly connectingthe device or control panel to a cloud system.
 19. The method of claim16, further comprising the steps of: a. sensing conditions in theconduit; b. deploying the device if a fluid backflow condition is sensedor deployment instructions are sent from a user, a cloud administratoror a city employee.